The scandal-ridden Senate campaign of Graham Platner in Maine has come to a screeching end, after a rape allegation caused nearly every one of his Democratic allies to withdraw their support. Platner made the announcement in a video posted to social media on Wednesday, June 9, 2026. “We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me. And for that reason, we are suspending campaign operations,” he said. “This is incredibly difficult because I know that some will think it’s an admission of guilt, and it most certainly is not,” he continued. “We’re not doing it because of the allegations. We’re doing it because of the structures that are being taken away from us by those in power.”
The Politico Report and Accusations of Misconduct
The red line for the campaign came in the form of a Politico article published on Monday, which reported that Jenny Racicot, a woman who had previously had a relationship with Platner, alleges he entered her home in 2021, intoxicated and without her permission, and sexually assaulted her. Platner has denied the allegation, stating, “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.” Prior to the Politico story, Racicot was included in a New York Times report featuring three women who said they once had romantic relationships with Platner and characterized his behavior as “unsettling.” While Racicot did not detail the rape allegation in that story, she has since described the alleged assault and her initial reluctance to speak out to CNN.
Democrats had largely stood by Platner throughout repeated previous controversies, including a tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol, deleted offensive Reddit posts, and reports that he sent women sexually explicit messages while married. However, the latest allegation proved to be a turning point. Within hours of the Politico report, his political support evaporated. National party leadership announced it would no longer help finance the campaign, and the campaign arm for Senate Democrats vowed not to invest in the race if Platner remained on the ballot.
Multiple Democratic lawmakers rescinded their endorsements, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Platner also lost support from one of his earliest backers, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. The Maine Democratic Party also called on Platner to withdraw from the race.
Formal Withdrawal Procedures and Party Nominating Conventions
As of Thursday morning, Jana Spaulding, Maine’s deputy secretary of state for communications, told Newsweek that Platner had not yet formally withdrawn from the race. “As of now, no official withdrawal notice has yet been received from Mr. Platner. A public declaration is not an official withdrawal, and a candidate must formally withdraw to the Elections office in writing, including signature,” Spaulding said. State election rules dictate that Platner would need to withdraw by Monday, July 13, in order for the state party to name a new nominee before the deadline of July 27.
The Maine Democratic Party said on Wednesday it held a meeting with over 100 members who voted to hold a nominating convention to choose a new nominee “if there is a vacancy to fill.” The party stated, “There is an unprecedented amount of energy and enthusiasm among Maine Democrats, driven in part by many of the dedicated volunteers and supporters who were inspired by Graham Platner’s campaign. We look forward to coming together and harnessing that energy around our new nominee as we work to defeat Susan Collins in November.”
Contenders for the Maine Democratic Nomination
Jockeying has already commenced in the state for a new nominee. Potential candidates include Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former head of the Maine CDC Nirav Shah, former state Senate President Troy Jackson, Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban, former candidate Jordan Wood, former Senate candidate David Costello, state Representative Valli Geiger, and former candidate Paige Loud. An exploratory committee has already filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on behalf of Jackson. Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors editor at Cook Political Report, noted that while Jackson possesses the white, working-class populist appeal that Platner utilized, his close ties to the former candidate could present a challenge.
High Stakes for Senate Control in Maine
Democrats view the Maine race as a must-win to flip control of the Senate. The party needs to net a total of four seats this November to win back the majority. “It is virtually impossible to see a path for Senate Democrats back to the majority if they do not flip Maine,” said Jessica Taylor. Mark Brewer, a professor of political science at the University of Maine in Orono, noted that the race is still expected to be competitive, as incumbent Republican Susan Collins remains a formidable rival who has won by large margins in the past due to her personal popularity and bipartisan credentials.
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